A YOUNG Manchester bartender is setting an example for an industry on the rocks.

Jon Woodruff has turned his back on a career as a diver in the Royal Navy to work as a mixologist, creating cocktails all over the world with his business venture, Escapade.

So far Jon, who graduated with a 2:1 in Microbiology from Manchester University, has worked in America, China, India, Mexico, Africa and Thailand. But he says his favourite event was an out-of-season Christmas party in the July sunshine at Manchester's Timber Wharf.

"I could never have done an office job after all that," said the well-travelled 24-year-old, who began his career at Deansgate's Living Room.

During his six-year career, Jon has developed a cynical opinion of the mobile-bar industry. He says the failure of the sector to go "that extra mile" is one of the reasons he decided to set up his firm.

Jon said: "Success is all about who you employ - you can have the best looking bar in the business but without staff who can make a quality drink, you'll never do any good. You need to know at least 200 cocktails, and be able to talk to someone that comes in and design a drink perfect for them."

Escapade's bartenders are "poached" on a freelance basis, and have worked on a host of after-show parties for Justin Timberlake, film star Cameron Diaz and Manchester United.

For é22 per head, revellers are treated to unlimited cocktails, with bar staff, glassware, fridges, alcohol and mixers all included in the price. The company can cater for up to 500 people and can provide ice sculptures and bespoke lists.